A New Website to Inspire Luxury and Adventure Travel

Posted June 10, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under News, Things We're Proud Of.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco –May 2013 — Journey Mexico, the leader in Mexico Travel offering unique luxury, adventure, natural and cultural tours throughout Mexico, has launched a new version of their website: www.journeymexico.com. The site welcomes you with stunning images and a straightforward menu. With just a click, travel agents and travelers can immerse themselves in all that Mexico’s destinations have to offer – from vacationing in the most exclusive villa on the Mexican-Caribbean Coast to hiking the rugged terrain in the Copper Canyon.

There are three main trip planning features; you can browse by destination (custom travel), interests (experiences), and exclusivity. In the exclusivity menu item, you will find what sets Journey Mexico apart from other tour operators. It is in here where you will find collection of the best private villas, luxury yachts, private flights, over-the-top expeditions, and every other extravagant detail one would need to plan a lavish retreat. Browsers also have the opportunity to scroll through Journey Mexico’s handpicked property portfolio which only includes properties that have been personally examined by a Journey Mexico staff member. Ranging from haciendas and boutique hotels to hotels and resorts, Journey Mexico’s featured properties ensure they have done their homework and only are providing the best to their clients.

An additional key feature to the site is that it can be navigated by which travel style is preferred. Travel style choices are private, group, family vacations, executive retreats, and honeymoons.
In private travel you will find a collection of sample itineraries that inspire travelers to discover Mexico, beyond the beaches. All private journeys include private transportation, private guides, and can be 100% tailored to fit the travelers wants and wishes. In group travel, you will find a a collection of itineraries with set departure dates. These trips tend to have small group sizes and provide the opportunity to see more for less as they are priced for multiple travelers.

Other highlights to the website are:

Plan Your Trip: When you’re ready to get started, the Plan Your Trip form gets sent directly to the Travel Planning Manager, Gerardo. He is your direct line to creating the exploratory vacation of your dreams. Journey Mexico’s travel planners take pride in developing relationships with their clients in order to understand their travel styles and necessities and translate them into a seamless itinerary.

Resources for Agents: There is a password-protected trade login portion to the site specifically designed to provide travel consultants with the resources they need to understand what Journey Mexico can offer to them and their client in creating the perfect Mexico itinerary.

Off the Beaten Path: The new site not only includes postcard-perfect photos of travelers on beaches, but also features the more authentic experiences on the less traveled destinations. The photos and information throughout the site are informative and stimulating, whether it is their weathered friend, Dona Sophia, inviting traveler into her home or the photos taken while participating in a traditional native wedding ceremony off-the-grid.

Meet the Team: At Journey Mexico, each member of the team is an important component to the company’s success on every level, internally and externally. With two offices (one in Puerto Vallarta and one in Cancun) and a still relatively small team, they invite you to get to know everyone as a way of demonstrating that you can trust the Journey Mexico family to not leave any detail of your vacation overlooked.

Blog and Streaming Info: There is no need to wander from our page for news about what’s going on in Mexico. Whether it’s the new hottest hotels, safety concerns, or general destination information, Journey Mexico’s blog and social media platforms are updated constantly. Journey Mexico has made connecting with their brand easy with a range of social media platforms including, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, StumbleUpon, LinkedIn, YouTube, and their Journey Mexico Blog.

For more information about Mexico travel company, Journey Mexico, visit www.journeymexico.com.

Contact:
Journey Mexico
+52 (322) 225 9821
info@journeymexico.com

Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel in the Riviera Maya

Posted June 3, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Ecotourism, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Ecotourism in Mexico is taking charge and more and more travelers are looking for hotels and resorts in Mexico that exercise eco-friendly practices yet still provide the amenities and comfort to feel like a five star vacation. Tulum is leading the trend with eco-chic boutique hotels, and these 5 amazing,eco-friendly hotels have also implemented green practices in their small-sized accomodations. But what about the travelers who want a resort style vacation? We recently visited Hacienda Tres Rios, a resort in Riviera Maya that has implemented a model of sustainable tourism that distinguishes itself from other hotels.

Tres Rios was formally a nature park open to the public that sat on 326-acres of rich mangrove forest, fresh water rivers, an abundance of natural flora and fauna, and white sand beaches. It is the only place in the Yucatán Peninsula where three fresh water rivers join and merge into the ocean. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma ripped through the area and wiped out much of Tres Rios Nature Park. Instead of leaving it to perish, Tres Rios asked the Mexican government for permission to build a ecologically sustainable, all-inclusive resort.

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Tres Rios spent several years studying the ecological community with a team of scientists and experts before building the resort. They took time to study the delicate environment and they replanted the mangroves to build the ecosystem back to its former state. Once they established a clear set of environmental criteria to guide the design of the complex, they chose cutting edge technologies to implement in the hotel to protect the resort and its environs.

In 2008, Hacienda Tres Rios opened its 273 all-suite, five star resort; and the Tres Rios Nature Park became open exclusively for guests of the hotel. The Environmental Management System they implemented included 7 programs and 20 sub-programs including wildlife management, waste management, environmental education, and contingency actions. To read about all the sustainable practices the hotel is currently operating under, you can read The Green Book: Tres Rios, a Model of Sustainable Tourism. One practice that stood out was the ‘Cabon Neutral Accommodations, TravelGreen™’ which is a collaboration with Sustainable Travel International where guests have the opportunity to make their stay carbon neutral. With just one dollar per room per night, guests have the opportunity to compensate for 33.6 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to international reforestation projects.

Part of the Rainforest Alliance Program, Hacienda Tres Rios Resort & Nature Park has received recognition for their eco-friendly and sustainable efforts from SEMARNAT, Green Globe Certification, World Travel Awards, Magellan Awards, and Community Advancement Award (just to name a few!)

For travelers who aspire to be earth-friendly and who wish to contribute to local communities while not compromising all the comforts deserved on vacation Hacienda Tres Rios Resort is leader in sustainable tourism development.. The hotel’s beautiful, varied natural landscape provides the perfect background for the discriminating eco-tourist.

Mexico’s Top Wildlife Adventures

Posted May 29, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Adventure, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Monarch Butterflies, Whale Watching.

The Huffington Post recently published an article called Mexico’s Top 4 Wildlife Adventures which featured some spectacular experiences with nature. It just so happens that Journey Mexico is an expert in leading these adventurous experiences, so here is our take on the Top Four Wildlife Adventures they list:

Swimming with Whale Sharks

In the open waters just off the Yucatan Peninsula’s coast, docile whale sharks gather every summer for feeding. Posing no threat to humans, it allows the opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside them. On our Swim With Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins Trip, guests are taken to the open waters just 1 to 2 hours from Isla Mujeres where they will find some of this year’s largest aggregations of whale sharks.

Sea Turtle Conservation

For generations, sea turtles have played a key role in Mexican culture in native coastal communities. However in past 20 years, a combination of factors, including the low percentage of hatchlings which survive to adulthood, and environmental degradation, have resulted in the turtles becoming endangered in Mexico. On our Sea Turtles and Whale Watching Tour, travelers stay at a sea turtle monitoring base camp on Conchalito Island for 5 days and can participate in hatchling releases, monitoring, and open ocean sea turtle viewings.

Mystical Migrating Monarchs

Every October through March, the Monarchs Butterflies of North America embark on an annual migration to Mexico that is unmatched by any other butterfly in the world. They travel much farther than most butterflies and are the only butterflies to make such a long, two way migration every year. On our Magical Mexican Migrations Trip, travelers visit the highlands of Michoacan and Mexico State where amazingly, the butterflies arrive in the masses to the exact same trees, transforming them into a fluttering, vibrant-orange spectacular.

The Great Gray Whales of Baja

The longest known mammal migration in the world, the Pacific gray whales migrate 5,000-miles every year from the frigid waters of Alaska’s Bering Sea to the warm water lagoons of the Baja Peninsula. These great animals have been hunted nearly to extinction but with Journey Mexico on the San Ignacio Whale Watching Trip, you’ll interact with conversationalists to learn about what is being done to preserve these incredible creatures and their mating grounds. Travelers experience up-close meetings with these magnificent creatures and experience one of the world’s most memorable wildlife encounters.

What makes us experts in offering these superb wildlife experiences? Well, our Magical Mexican Migrations—Pacific Whales and Highland Butterflies tour has been selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” . We also actively work with a number of local conservation and development organizations where we invite you to take a hands on approach and join us about learning to protect the pristine coasts, mountains, canyons, and jungles of Mexico. And incase you were wondering, none of these photos are stock — they were all taken by Journey Mexico in the field!

May 2013 Newsletter

Posted May 27, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Newsletters and Promotions.

We made this month’s newsletter all about our favorite natural/adventurous activities — swimming with whale sharks! Don’t miss our tips for this year’s whale shark season. We also are happy to share with you an exclusive promotion we secured for Casa Sandra and One&Only Palmilla!

To view the May newsletter in its entirety, click here.

Best New Hotels In Mexico 2013

Posted May 22, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Chiapas, Condé Nast, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Luxury, Mexico City.

If you’re looking for the newest and hottest hotels in the world, Mexico is a great place to start. In Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 list of the best new hotels, Mexico was tied with China and Morroco for 7th place out of 57 counties, each with numerous new hotels making the cut. Worldwide more than 1,000 new hotels opened last year and five of those, located in Mexico, were worthy enough to make the list of the very best.

Next time you visit Mexico, consider letting us arrange a stay for you in one of these hotels:

1) Downtown, Mexico City

Hotel Downtown is a converted 17th century building that now doubles as a boutique hotel and youth hostel. The large rooftop terrace has spectacular views of the skyline and of the historic center including Torre Latinoamericana and the San Felipe Neri Church. The colonial architecture and fresco by muralist Manual Rodriguez Lozano allow guests to enjoy a unique space.

2) Live Aqua Bosques, Mexico City

Live Aqua Bosques is a unique and innovative hotel concept. The hotel is located in Santa Fe, known as Mexico City’s bustling business district and is nothing short of pure luxury. The design is a dramatic blend of aromas, colors, sounds, and atmospheres that bring all the senses to life and encourages complete relaxation for guests.

3)3) Hotel Bo, San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

Hotel Bo is a fresh new look on San Cristobal de las Casas. The hotel plays with the four elements of earth, wind, fire, and water and also integrates the traditions and roots of Chiapas in many decorative details. They combined the concept of a house and a hotel to create a space that generates a warm welcome for travelers.

4) Nena Boutique Hotel, San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato

Nena Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of San Miguel Allende. The former private estate is now converted into six luxury guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, and a rooftop sky lounge with plunge pool.

5) Endémico Resguardo Silvestre, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

Endemico is a unique boutique concept located in the Baja wine region of Valley of Guadalupe. Built into the hillside are twenty freestanding cabins which were designed to highlight the isolation of the desert. Complete with infinity pool, the ecology-minded vineyard hotel is a hotel you will want to experience for yourself firsthand.

Whale Shark Season 2013 Has Started

Posted May 15, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Riviera Maya & Tulum, Yucatan.

The 2013 Whale Shark Season has officially started in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula! Beginning May 15th and ending September 1st, whale sharks migrate from around the world to the warm, tropical waters of the Mexican-Caribbean Sea.

The start of the season is always highly anticipated because it means that adventurers have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with these giant creatures in their natural habitat. Although whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and grow to be over 40 feet in length and 15 tons in weight, they pose absolutely no threat to humans. They are slow moving, docil animals that feed mostly on plankton, completely harmless to those that join them for a swim.

The waters surrounding Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy are known to have some of the densest populations during this period. Isla Holbox is also known for whale sharks but in recent years, they have moved away from Holboxs toward the Caribbean Sea and Isla Mujeres. In 2011, Mexico recorded the largest aggregation of whales sharks ever, with more than 400 gathering in one place to feed!

If you’re thinking about swimming with whale sharks this year, here are some tips:

When: While May through September is the official season, the largest congregations are in July and August. The fifth annual Whale Shark Festival is scheduled to take place on Isla Mujeres, July 11-14, and will share local cuisine, music and raise awareness to environmental education and preservation of whale sharks.

Where: Whale Sharks are moving around quite a lot – however in the past years they have been gathering more towards open clear waters – 1 to 2 hours from Isla Mujeres. While there are still small congregations around Isla Holbox, the experience is by far superior in open waters of the Caribbean where the sea’s clarity up to triples that of Isla Holbox.

We recommend staying at Villa Rolandi right on Isla Mujeres. Another option is Casa Sandra on Isla Holbox.

Who: Anyone from a beginning swimmer to a professional snorkeler can join the adventure of wading with whale sharks.

How: Journey Yucatan (a brand of Journey Mexico) can provide you with a tour to swim with these amazing fish. We can arrange anything from a group tour to a private yacht encounter. For a full itinerary, check out our Swim With Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins Trip.

Casa Sandra

New Flights to Mexico in 2013

Posted May 10, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under News.

Los Angeles to Cancun and Huatulco:
Aeromexico is now offering new nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Cancun and Huatulco, Mexico. The Cancun service will operate June to September on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Huatulco Service will operate June to mid-August on Fridays.

Los Angeles to La Paz:
Aeromexico will begin offering a nonstop route between Los Angeles, California to La Paz, Baja California Sur starting June 20. The service will operate on Thursdays and Sundays.

Nashville, TN to Cancun:
AeroMéxico inaugurated low-frequency seasonal services between Cancun to Nashville, TN last February.Weekly flights will be offered until 11 August.

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas to Cancun
Spirit Airlines, expanded its network on April 25, with a new service connecting Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) with Cancun (CUN) three times weekly.

Dalls/Fort Worth, Texas to Hermosillo and Zacatecas:
On June 12, American Eagle will begin service from Dallas-Fort Worth to two destinations in Mexico; Hermosillo and Zacatecas.

Austin, Texas and Los Cabos:
Southwest Airlines will launch daily service between San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur and Austin, Texas, on June 2. Southwest’s AirTran will operate the flights.

Domestic Flights from Toluca, Mexico:
VivaAerobuscommenced operations on two domestic routes from Toluca (TLC), the capital of the state of Mexico, on 8 April. Thrice-weekly flights to Tampico (TAM) and twice-weekly to Villahermosa (VSA) are the airline’s first destinations from the airport.

AeroMéxico returned to Toluca (TLC) on 25 February with three domestic routes operated by AeroMéxico Connect. The airline now operates services to Cancún, Guadalajara and Monterrey with daily, twice-daily and thrice-daily frequencies respectively.

Mexico City to Merida:
Volaris continues the expansion of its domestic network with the launch of services from Mexico City to Mérida in the Yucatán Peninsula. Volaris’ CEO, said: “In 2013, we want to strengthen our presence in the south-east of the country, helping our passengers to reduce travel times in tune with their wishes.”

Mexico City to Chiapas:
Volarisnow offers services to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of Chiapas and a major transportation hub for tourists visiting Chiapas. Twice-weekly flights operate from Mexico City.

Chihuahua to Cancun:
The Chihuahua Tourism Board has shared the news that there is a direct flight between Chihuahua (CUU) and Ciudad Juarez through Cancun, Mexico. This direct flight opens up emerging markets, specifically Russian tourists.

The information above includes re-posts from Airline Network News and Analysis and AeroMexico

National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” 2013: Mexico

Posted April 29, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Colonial Cities, Destinations, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Monarch Butterflies, National Geographic Tour of a Lifetime.

Journey Mexico, the leader in Mexico Travel offering unique luxury, adventure, natural and cultural tours, is pleased to announce that its Magical Mexican Migrations—Pacific Whales and Highland Butterflies tour has been selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” and will be featured in their May 2013 magazine issue.

The “50 Tours of a Lifetime” are National Geographic Traveler’s selection of the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours. This is the third year in row that one of Journey Mexico’s trips have made the list, with the first being Copper Canyon Semana Santa Trek and second, Chiapas: A Journey Through Mexico Less Visited. This year’s theme was tours that ‘capture the spirit of exploration.’ National Geographic Traveler’s executive editor Norie Quintos said “[the tours] push the boundaries of mainstream tourism, whether taking travelers to the far corners of the globe, or helping them dive deep into the culture of familiar destinations.”

With that said, it is no surprise that our Magical Mexican Migrations—Pacific Whales and Highland Butterflies tour stood out to the editorial team. This tour immerses you in the circle of life, as creatures ranging in size from 3-4 inch featherweights to school bus-sized 30-40 ton giants make their way to Mexico by air and sea. The trip visits both the World Heritage highland forests of Michoacán and the marine enclaves of Baja California, delighting and mystifying human observers.

Journey Mexico is pleased to offer this tour of a lifetime, so that explorers can experience both of these extraordinary congregations of wildlife. We invite you to join Monarch butterflies and eastern Gray whales in their annual sojourn and learning about conservation issues that threaten the future of these precious ecosystems. Explore historic Morelia, kayak the Sea of Cortez, and snorkel with wild sea lions. Along the way, expert naturalist guides will reveal many charms of Mexico, proven here to draw repeat visitors from great distances.

Surf Vacation to Huatulco

Posted April 26, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Destinations, Oaxaca.

Just another day on the job! After hand crafting the perfect custom-made surf vacation to Huatulco for three travelers, Journey Mexico’s Founder, Zachary Rabinor took it upon himself to personally guide them during their excursion.

The 5 day adventure was no ordinary surf trip. It included accommodations at the elite beachfront VIlla Bocana, a local guide, personal chef, independent transportation, personal photographer and videographer, and private yacht.

Check out the video from their Huatulco surf trip:

April 2013 Newsletter

Posted April 25, 2013 by Journey Mexico & filed under Newsletters and Promotions.

Hot off the digital presses! April’s newsletter is packed with the latest in what’s going on in Mexico and where to go. This month we feature a post about how many hotels in Mexico are making headlines for their excellence. We also feature an exclusive promotion we secured from Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta. Other highlights include the Volcano Climbing Expedition, Palace Resorts, and Hotelito Mio.

To view the April newsletter in its entirety, click here.

Incredible Photos of Tulum

Posted April 18, 2013 by Journey Mexico & filed under Destinations, Riviera Maya & Tulum, Yucatan.

One cannot read information about Mexico’s Riviera Maya without a picture of the beautiful Tulum ruins as the highlight photo. The town of Tulum and its ruins are located on the south end of the Riviera Maya, about an hour and 40 minutes drive from Cancun. It has evolved into a world-class tourism destination that Journey Mexico knows inside and out.

To check out our Tulum guide click here; or just enjoy photos from our most recent trips:

Photo Credits: (1-4) Graham Mattock, (5-7) Jessica Seba, (8-10) Zachary Rabinor

Conde Nast Chooses Journey Mexico’s Founder as Top Villa Specialist in 2013

Posted April 17, 2013 by Journey Mexico & filed under Condé Nast, Things We're Proud Of.

Condé Nast Traveler, the world’s premier travel magazine, released their much anticipated “2013 Conde Nast Villa Specialist” Annual Guide to the World’s Top Villas Specialists in their March 2013 issue. Journey Mexico is proud to announce that Founder and President, Zachary Rabinor, has been awarded the title of Top Villa Specialist for Mexico.

This thoughtfully hand-picked list is chosen by Wendy Perrin, the Director of Consumer News and Digital Community, who comments on the selection process:

For sheer peace of mind, nothing beats the voice of authority. That’s why for the past eight years, we’ve been rigorously vetting villa rental agents around the world—renting from them, accompanying them on villa inspections, interviewing them extensively, and hearing feedback from readers. Getting on our list of top villa specialists means filling out a 47-question application and sending sample house books, checklists used to evaluate properties, and at least one client reference… …Forty-one agents made this year’s cut, representing properties in all our favorite destinations—from Tuscany to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

Zach has earned the Villa Specialist for three consecutive years now which is not an easy task. As Perrin explains in CNT, “Staying on this list is even tougher: It requires proving user-friendliness, conscientiousness, and honesty time and again”. Zach is the only Villa Specialist in Mexico who has also been chosen as one of the World’s Top Travel Specialist (also by Condé Nast Traveler). You can view Zach’s profile here.

VILLA BEL’HA, Mayan Riviera, Four bedrooms; from $14,000 per week.

What Conde Nast Traveler has to say about Zach :

Mexico resident Rabinor has assembled a carefully chosen portfolio of luxury properties all over the country, with a concentration in Puerto Vallarta and Punta de Mita. Whether at a country hacienda or a contemporary beachfront casa, you’ll find authentic Mexican style, full staff (at most properties), and information packets that offer guidance on everything from tequila tastings to turtle-nesting sites. Rabinor can also masterfully plan any local itinerary or day-trip.

Already traveled with Journey Mexico before thanks to Zach’s assistance? If so, he requests you to kindly leave a comment on his profile found on this link. Thank you!

2014 Tianguis Turistico in Cancun

Posted April 10, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Cancun, Destinations, Riviera Maya & Tulum, Tourism Tianguis, Yucatan.

Mexico’s annual Tianguis Turistico will be held in Cancun next year. Tianguis is the most important travel trade show in Mexico, providing an important platform for travel industry professionals to meet with hundreds of Mexico tourism service providers. Unlike other travel trade shows, the three day event is entirely focused on one destination and topic: the promotion of Mexico.

For 36 years straight, the event was held in Acapulco, Guerrero before making its first move to Puerto Vallarta in 2012. Deciding which city to host the event after 36 years was not an easy task; destinations had to submit proposals as to why they should be host and prove they have the infrastructure required. It is clear why Cancun was chosen for 2014; it has over 32,000 hotel rooms (70,000+ if you include the Riviera Maya), several AAA 4 and 5 Diamond properties, the largest Latin American international airport with the most connectivity and high quality services and framework.

Cancun has already started preparations for Tianguis Turistico. The Mexico Tourism Board is making an initial investment of 40 million pesos, while federal and state government in Quintana Roo will invest 80 million pesos. In an interview with MexicoNews.Travel, Robert Borge Angula, Governor of Quintana Roo, said, “We are already preparing and doing very well with the first arrangements, regarding the productions of such a important event, while also evaluating all the areas of the event. We are very well prepared and we would like to have at least two venues for the fair.” Later it was announced that the main host for the event will be the Moon Palace Resort on the southern part of Cancun’s Peninsula.The Cancun Center and Xcaret are also being considered as a venue for opening and closing ceremonies.

The event dates are still not set, but it is speculated to be held in May instead of March or April.
Juan Carlos González Hernández, Minister of Tourism for Quintana Roo, is requesting this change because he says “[March through April] is a period in which hotel occupancy rates are an average of 92%, which would complicate the touistic festivities.” Cancun is also setting expectations for attendees; while 2013 Tianguis Turistico in Puebla was record breaking, Cancun is expecting to surpass it with at least 45 different countries present. Angula commented on the goal, “[Quintana Roo] is a very well positioned state not only in Mexico, but also in the whole Caribbean as well as Latin America…”

If you’re anticipating to attend this travel fair, you can get more information on their website http://tianguisturisticomexico.com.mx/, or by staying tuned on our blog. If you plan on visiting Cancun/Riviera Maya for any reason, give Journey Yucatan a call. We can help you choose the best accommodations for your stay and give you valuable inside information about the best things to do in this lovely part of Mexico.

Special Hotel Amenities Exclusive to Journey Mexico Travelers

Posted April 5, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Destinations, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Newsletters and Promotions, Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita.

Every month, the Journey Mexico Newsletter features two luxury hotels that are currently offering promotions to travelers. We also work hard to present to our readers exclusive promotions available only to travelers who make their arrangements through Journey Mexico.

Thus far in 2013, we are excited to offer the following exclusive promotions in Baja California Sur and Mexico’s Pacific Coast:

One & Only Palmilla – Cabo San Lucas
Welcome Margaritas for two.
Valid for travel through December 2013. Offer can be combined with Sunny Escapes or Retreat promotion.

Hacienda San Angel – Puerto Vallarta
Complimentary bottle of Hacienda selected wine in room.
Upgrade guests to next room category.
Valid for travel through December 2013.

Other standard promotions include:

Maroma Resort & Spa Riviera Maya: Full daily breakfast, welcome margarita & more.

Hotel Esencia Riviera Maya: Third or fourth night free, full daily breakfast for two & more.

Esperanza Los Cabos Daily breakfast at Cocina del Mar, complimentary nights & more.

Capella Ixtapa: Full daily breakfast, complimentary nights or resort credits & more.

If you wish to take advantage of these exclusive promotions, do not hesitate to contact Journey Mexico today. To receive the latest information and offers such as these in your inbox, subscribe to our mailing list below!

March 2013 Newsletter

Posted April 4, 2013 by Journey Mexico & filed under Newsletters and Promotions.

This month’s newsletter went out a little late, but it was because we were busy filling it with with the best news and offers! In this edition, our CEO, Zach Rabinor, shares his insight and insider tips on both general travel to Mexico and the latest on what is going on in Tulum. We also are happy to share with you an exclusive promotion we secured for One & Only Palmilla! Other news featured includes Hotel Xixim and a promotion from Maroma.

To view the March newsletter in its entirety, click here.

Puebla City Highlights from Tianguis Turistico

Posted March 27, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Colonial Cities, Culinary Vacations, Puebla, Tourism Tianguis.

The most important event in Mexico’s tourism, Tianguis Turistico, continues to grow as expectations in terms of buyers and attendance have exceeded and broken record the past two years. Being held for the first time in Puebla, the 38th edition Tianguis Turistico was the largest in terms of countries represented — with over 42 present. For the 25,000+ attendees, events, parties, lunches, and tours were held all around the city. Puebla dazzled and delighted its visitors during the four day event showing off their cultural and historical highlights that warrants the recognition to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here are some of the places highlighted in Puebla during Tianguis Turistico:

Civic Center Cinco de Mayo
The Puebla Convention Center is located on the foothills of the Cerro Los Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe, which is where the Battle of Puebla on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) took place back in 1862. Today, the Civic Center Cinco de Mayo remains as a place of major importance in the history of Mexico and is commemorated by memorial monuments, the old fort structures Fuerte de Loreto and Fuerte de Guadalupe, and interactive museums of military history and talavera.

Centro Historico
The Historic Centre of Puebla, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, preserves over 2,500 monuments distributed across 391 blocks making Puebla the city with the largest number of monuments in the Americas. In the Historic Centre of Puebla, colorful, colonial architecture dominates and is strewn with unique cathedrals and churches, world-renowned gastronomy, bazaars and artisans.

Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles
An important piece of history, the Ferrocariles Mexicanos (Mexican Railway) Train Station was close to being demolished in the 1970s but was rescued for its declaration as cultural heritage. It later turned into a museum that today demonstrates the importance of its construction and locomotive engines that helped the development of the railway system in Mexico.

La Purificadora
Located in the Historical Center of Puebla, La Purificadora has converted from a late 19th-century factory once used to purify water for the production of ice to a trendy, boutique hotel. The hotel offers one of the best views of Puebla, overlooking San Francisco Church and beautiful gardens.

Cholula (Archaeological Site)
A newly recognized Pueblo Magico (Magical Town), Cholula is best known for its grand pyramid on which rests the large yellow church, Iglesia de los Remedios with a dramatic backdrop of the Popocatépetl Volcano. The pyramid, which is the largest pyramid in the world, is made up of sever overlaid pyramids built over a six century period. Today, the archaeological site includes ruins, tunnels, and a museum.

El Mural de los Poblanos
Puebla is home to some of the most popular dishes in Mexican gastronomy and El Mural de los Poblanos restaurant is where you can find the some of these traditional Poblano treats. The house specialties are cemitas, chile relleno, and five kinds of mole all served up in an authentic and elegant way. They also have a wide selection of mezcales and tequila, mexican wines and cooking classes and workshops.

All photos taken from www.puebla.travel

Mexican Hotels Making News for Excellence

Posted March 22, 2013 by Jessica S. & filed under Condé Nast, Destinations, Luxury, News.

Continuing its long-standing tradition of offering outstanding resorts and hotels, several properties in Mexico have recently been awarded by major international media publications for their excellence.

AAA Five Diamond Award – Mexico has a total of 13 Five Diamond hotels– more than the Caribbean and Hawaii combined! The properties can be found in Los Cabos, Mexico City, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya.

The newest addition to the list is Capella Pedregal Resort and Spa in Cabos San Lucas, joining others such as the Four Seasons in Mexico City and Grand Velas Riviera Maya. See the complete list here.

Capella Pedregal

Four Seasons Mexico City

About the Award – “Representing just 0.3 percent of the total 59,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, this exclusive group of AAA Five Diamond hotels provides unique experiences chock full of leading-edge creativity and highly personalized hospitality to satisfy even the most savvy traveler.”

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2013 – Mexico has a total of 37 hotels and resorts listed on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Gold List , a jump from last year’s 33. Seven new hotels have been featured on the list, including Rosewood and Hotel Matilda in San Miguel Allende, Cabo Azul Resort in Los Cabos, THE Royal and Playacar Palace in Playa del Carmen, Le Blanc in Cancun, and Banayan Tree Marques in Acapulco.

In addition to being featured on the Gold LIst, Esperanza in Los Cabos, Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, One&Only Palmilla, Four Seasons Punta Mita, Maroma Resort and Spa, La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatanejo have all earned their way into the Platinum Circle (making the list for the past 5 years in a row)!

Matilda San Miguel Allende Boutique Hotel

Hotel Matilda

Rosewood San Miguel Allende

About the list – “The 19th annual Gold List is the ultimate annotated guide to the word’s finest properties and cruise lines, as elected by more than 47,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers.The Gold List is truly a global representation of real quality, no matter how far-flung. “

Mexico Spring Vacations

Posted March 7, 2013 by Journey Mexico & filed under Destinations.

Spring is in the air and @JourneyMexico will be co-hosting next Monday’s #MexChat to share our expertise about Mexico spring vacations!

We invite you to join the #MexChat party happening on Twitter on Monday, March 11th at 1pm EST. Just follow the hashtag– we’ll ask the questions and you’ll provide the answers. To RSVP, click here..

To get ideas flowing, these exciting destinations are perfect for spring!

A New Website to Inspire Luxury and Adventure Travel

Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel in the Riviera Maya

Mexico’s Top Wildlife Adventures

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Sea Turtle Conservation

Mystical Migrating Monarchs

The Great Gray Whales of Baja

Best New Hotels In Mexico 2013

1) Downtown, Mexico City

2) Live Aqua Bosques, Mexico City

3)3) Hotel Bo, San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

4) Nena Boutique Hotel, San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato

5) Endémico Resguardo Silvestre, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

Whale Shark Season 2013 Has Started

New Flights to Mexico in 2013

National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” 2013: Mexico

Surf Vacation to Huatulco

Incredible Photos of Tulum

Conde Nast Chooses Journey Mexico’s Founder as Top Villa Specialist in 2013

2014 Tianguis Turistico in Cancun

Puebla City Highlights from Tianguis Turistico

Mexican Hotels Making News for Excellence

Mexico Spring Vacations

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